Adrain Farrell visits the Genealogy area of the Kansas City Irish Fest.

Adrain Farrell the Consul General of Ireland from Austin Texas visited the Kansas City Irish Fest this year. The genealogy area is inside the Crown Center atrium. We don’t have to worry about rain with all of our computers and printers.

We had 8 computer stations each with a volunteer helping people. This year we had over 100+ appointments during the festival. One appointment can mean 1-6 people from a family. It is so rewarding to help families connect with their Irish ancestry!

Many families do not know where in Ireland their family came from. Oral traditions can be lost within 3 generations. I have a 3Great Uncle, James Smith lived in Friend Nebraska, who wrote a letter when he was trying to get his Civil War pension.

“On this 18th day of June 1913 personally appeared before me a Notary Public duly appointed in and for said count and State. James Smith of lawful age and who being first duly sworn according to law says: That he was born in county Meathe (this is the spelling that James used) Ireland, that his parents came to the United states when he was but two years old, that he does not know what parish he was christened in, or whether he was christened at all or not. That his parents are dead and all brothers and sisters were older than he are dead, there is no Bible or family record to which he and refer in order to establish his age at this time. That he is unable to furnish any other evidence of his age at this time other than. That his parents always told he he was born on the 6th day of May 1843 and that he had always kept account of his age from the information given him by them and from no there source.”

My question for James, “You never asked your parents where in Ireland you were born?” Smith is a very common name for County Meath!

We honored some of our fantastic KCIF Genealogy Volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them! These are the 5-year veterans for our festival. We also now have 3-10 year volunteers, Collette Kiszka, Don Kiszka and Cheri Piersee.

Most of our volunteers sign-up for multiple shifts over the weekend. They have so much fun helping find Irish ancestors for people.

2015 is our 13th year. With over 30 bands on seven stages, heritage workshops and displays, comedy, genealogy, a massive children’s area and so much more, there is no better way to celebrate Celtic Pride in Cowtown!

The Genealogy area is located in the air-conditioned Crown Center Atrium, genealogy staff will be available on Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Are you the person in your family everyone reaches out to for information about the family tree? Do you “lose” time when searching the internet for a long-lost relative? The Genealogy area wants YOU! We’ll provide the computers. You’ll bring your best ancestor-detecting skills and together we’ll uncover some amazing Irish history. Must have experience with online genealogy resources. -then volunteer to be a “Genealogy Fact-Finder” (need 14 more )

Just getting started with genealogy? This is the opportunity for you. Come help us answer questions, match volunteers with people looking for long-lost relatives, and keep the genealogy area running smoothly. You’ll be the glue that holds us together. No computer experience necessary. – the volunteer to be an “Genealogy Emcee”. (need 10 more)

Friday 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday10:30 AM to 3:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

This is such a fun experience to share your love for Irish Genealogy with others!!!

After you volunteer you can stay and enjoy the festival! Great music, heritage workshops, shopping and food!